Aboriginal Connection

Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth recognizes and celebrates selected Aboriginal youth for their skills development and career aspirations in the revitalized forest products industry.

This award is given to an individual that exemplifies the qualities of strong academic standing, commitment to their field of study and to the revitalized forest products industry, and a demonstrated commitment to the Aboriginal community.

Eligibility Requirements

The individual:
1. Demonstrates strong academic standing; and
2. Is currently enrolled in a post-secondary study program; and
3. Demonstrates a commitment to their field of study beyond academics, such as volunteering or working for the forest products industry; and
4. Demonstrates a commitment to the Aboriginal community; and
5. Is Canadian; and
6. Is First Nations, Inuit, or Métis; and
7. Is between the ages of 18-30 (proof of age required); and
8. Has not won this award in the last 3 years.

Submission Criteria and Evaluation

The nomination letter (see an example letter in appendix) should be no longer than 2 pages and must demonstrate:
1. Your full name, address and contact information (required).
2. Canadian citizenship, Aboriginal status, and age (required).
3. How you are committed to your field of study and a career in the revitalized forest industry. Applicants may wish to highlight volunteer or employment activities.
4. Your commitment to the Aboriginal community.

The submission should also include 2 reference letters:
5. One letter must be from someone in the institution that you are currently enrolled (or the employer in the case of an apprenticeship) and demonstrates your strong academic standing and current enrollment status.
6. Each letter of reference should be no longer than 1 page.

Award

The award winner will receive:
• $2500
• Travel to receive the award. (Travel for 1 or 2 people, including airfare, meals, and 2 nights’ accommodation.)
• A commemorative award.

Judging

Three judges will be selected by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) to judge the nominations. All outcomes of the judging process will be considered final.
Nominations for this award, containing the required information as noted above, should be sent to:

Partnership

The Forest Products Association of Canada is proud to be in partnership with theCanadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). CCAB works to foster sustainable business relations between First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and Canadian Business.

About 80% of Aboriginal people live in or near forested areas. The forest products industry is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in Canada. The sector also works with more than 1,400 Aboriginal firms. Working closely with Aboriginal communities will help to ensure that those communities, our industry and the Canadian economy thrive. Through existing and expanding relationships with Aboriginal peoples and communities, the industry aims to attract more Aboriginal workers, contractors and suppliers to the sector. As part of the Vision2020 goals, the industry is working towards finding tangible ways to do so.

Business Leadership Award

FPAC and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced that nominations are open for this year’s Aboriginal Business Leadership Award. The $5,000 award recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal entrepreneurs for their success in a forest products business that exemplifies business leadership, exceptional environmental and safety performance and the delivery of high-quality products and services. The recipient must also demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to the Indigenous community, particularly in supporting Indigenous employment.

This is the fifth time that the award will be handed. Previous recipients have been Grace Esquega, the President of Niigaani Enterprises in Gull Bay, Ontario; Percy Guichon, the Chief of the Alexis Creek Indian Band; Tsi Del Del Enterprises of Chilanko Forks BC and Al Humphrys, the general manager of Duz Cho logging, owned by the McLeod Lake Indian Band. The award nominees are judged against six criteria: business leadership, longevity, employment of Aboriginal peoples, safety and environmental performance, consistency of goods and services provided and commitment to the Aboriginal community.